To clear up any ambiguity, TEFL and TESOL are different abbreviations for the same thing.

TEFL stands for TeachingEnglish as a ForeignLanguage. TESOL stands for TeachingEnglish to Speakers of OtherLanguages.

TEFL originated in the UK, whereas TESOL originated in the USA and is also commonly used in Australia.

Both TEFL and TESOL are used locally. Neither is a standard, but instead they refer to the industry in general. CELTA stands for: Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults and is a TEFL course offered by Cambridge University.

The first point to check before choosing a qualification is whether it will qualify you for work.

Some courses are more of an introduction to the industry than a qualification to teach. These courses tend to be less than 100 hours and are cheaper than internationally recognised certificates. When hiring a teacher, most employers look for a minimum of a 100 hour qualification.

Secondly, consider whether the training will provide you with the skills and confidence to lead a class and plan meaningful lessons.

Anecdotally, we hear there are some courses that do not offer enough practical training, which leaves the trainee teacher lacking in confidence.

Lack of practical training is a clear stumbling block of online programmes.

Most online programmes will cover the methods needed to facilitate a classroom, but there are few that encourage interaction with real-life students. Furthermore, the onus is on the trainee to stay motivated without the benefit of peer-support and the guidance of a dedicated facilitator.

It is rated equivalent to a CELTA certificate, but with a strong focus on practical training. The course will equip you with all the necessary skills and confidence to qualify you for work anywhere in the world where English Language teachers are employed. In addition, we include a module on teaching English to young learners where some institutes only offers this as a separate certificate (- with added cost!). Regarding cost, another point to bear in mind is that CELTA courses are more expensive as they are paying Cambridge University accreditation fees. We are institutional members of IATEFL (UK).

Something to bear in mind:

The cost of your training will be recouped within a few of weeks working as an international teacher. Additionally, the better your training, the better job you are likely to get. You can learn techniques now that will make your career as a teacher, a breeze by cutting down on your preparation time and your stress levels. Also, you won't end up feeling like the overpaid dunce in the classroom!

Our Accreditation and Affiliations

We are members of various TEFL/TESOL focus groups including IATEFL (UK), SAET (SA), Learn4Good (international). Locally, our course is endorsed by the Western Cape Education Department through our Schools' Assist programme. If partaking in Schools' Assist, in addition to your certificate, you will receive a letter of recommendation bearing the Education Department stamp and a reference from The Knowledge Workshop - this gives you instant and verifiable work experience as a teacher which is ultimately more valuable than a certificate on its own.